Hervey Bay high achiever Courtney McKenna has begun a Midwifery degree at USC this week as the first step towards a career as a paediatrician.

The OP2 student and 2017 school captain of Hervey Bay State High School said working as a midwife would allow her to combine her interest in medicine with her love of working with babies.

“As I considered my study options during Year 12, I realised I wanted to help bring new life into the world and care for mothers during pregnancy and birth,” Courtney, 18, said.

“My aunt is a midwife and I found myself becoming more and more interested in the stories she shared about her work.

“Other inspiration came from my younger sister and father who both required many visits to hospital while I was growing up, which allowed me to appreciate the positive benefits of working in the health industry.”

USC introduced the dedicated Bachelor of Midwifery last year to allow students to focus solely on the field of midwifery, with graduates equipped to support women throughout their pregnancies from conception to six weeks postnatal.

Courtney, who received school subject awards for mathematics A, biology, and legal studies in Year 12, said the degree would be an excellent pathway to further study in medicine.

“My goal is to eventually specialise in paediatrics, but for now becoming a midwife is my dream job,” she said.

“I am excited to develop my skills using USC’s state-of-the-art simulation facilities and gain practical experience during clinical placements at clinics, community settings and hospitals.

“I am looking forward to learning with like-minded people who thrive on the same interests and passions that I have.”

— Clare McKay